The Kiwi Recovery Programme has been instrumental in understanding kiwi, the threats they face and management techniques needed to protect kiwi.

Kieron brings a wealth of experience in both the not-for-profit and corporate sectors to the Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust. With over twenty years in communication, marketing and sponsorship roles in organisations as diverse as, The Royal New Zealand Ballet and the Starship Foundation, he is looking forward to the challenge of making a difference to the future survival of the kiwi.

"I feel very privileged and excited to take on the challenging role of Executive Director for the Trust. To me it is unthinkable that we can continue to allow our national bird to be endangered to the point where its very existence on mainland New Zealand is now seriously threatened.

"Making New Zealand a safe place for kiwi is a daily battle, just two weeks ago 14 kiwi chicks that were being monitored by Department of Conservation in the West Coast's Okarito sanctuary were killed by stoats. As a nation, we have a collective responsibility to ensure kiwi can once again flourish in its natural habitat and that its future is secured for generations to come," says Kieron Goodwin.

"Bank of New Zealand is delighted that Kieron Goodwin has taken up the challenge to lead the Trust into the future. Kieron's extensive background in management, communications and sponsorship will help ensure the successful implementation of the Trust's mission. Bank of New Zealand is looking forward to working with Kieron and the Trust to ensure the ongoing preservation of one of New Zealand's icons: the kiwi," said Glenn King, General Manager Business Development and Strategy, Bank of New Zealand.

Department of Conservation Director General Hugh Logan said the Kiwi Recovery Programme has achieved great results in the past 11 years.

Mr Logan said protecting our national icon is one of the most important jobs facing people working in conservation. "It is exciting to see someone with the credentials of Kieron to lead the Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust."

Mr Logan said the Trust is a vehicle for people to get involved in kiwi conservation. "Through the Trust, all New Zealanders can contribute to kiwi recovery efforts nationally, and also participate in making New Zealand a safer place for kiwi."

Dedicated solely to the preservation of New Zealand's national icon, the kiwi, the Trust will work closely with Bank of New Zealand and Department of Conservation to provide inspiration, guidance and tools to enable New Zealand communities to protect and enhance local and regional populations of kiwi.

Since 1991, Bank of New Zealand has contributed more than $4 million towards the former Kiwi Recovery Programme funding research and the establishment of kiwi sanctuaries and a number of other activities.

Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust will continue to invest in research and management, predator control, population growth, surveys and monitoring. In addition, the Trust will be responsible for education, coordination of fundraising and sponsorship nationally, as well as fund allocation towards Kiwi Recovery initiatives.

Initiatives planned for 2003 include a population survey of Great Spotted Kiwi around Heaphy Track. This will indicate whether upland wet populations are holding their own. Blood samples are to be collected from Tokoeka, a critically endangered species of kiwi in Fiordland. Analysis of the blood samples will clarify their whakapapa, and help identify management priorities within this species. Plans are also under way to release a number of captive-reared Brown Kiwi into North Island forests currently being managed by community groups.

For more information please contact:

Kieron Goodwin
Executive Director
Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust
Phone: 09 375 1084
Mobile: 029 478 4610

Jane Cotty
Public Relations Manager
Bank of New Zealand
Phone: 09 976 5610
Mobile: 029 200 6826

Cushla Managh
Department of Conservation
Phone: 04 471 3117
Mobile: 027 4846 810